ABUJA - The Managing Director of the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engr Umar Farouk, says the management is not unaware of the deploring state of some facilities in the navigational systems assuring that frantic efforts were being made to address them.
Farouk spoke at the Annual General Meeting of National Association of Air Traffic Engineers (NAAE) held on Friday in Abuja.
Farouk urged the engineers to come up with solutions that will reposition the agency for better performance.
Farouk, who was represented by his Senior Special Assistant Operations, Mr Jibril Haske, noted that the theme of this year’s AGM, could not have been more timely or relevant as it captured a critical aspect of the transformation shaping global aviation.
According to him, these aspects of transformation challenges aviation professionals to re-position ourselves strategically in this new era.
Farouk outlined some of the achievements made so far to reposition NAMA to include, capacity development with extensive training programmes for all categories of staff, including members of NAAE in order to ensuring that the workforce remained at the forefront of global aviation trends, particularly in the rapidly evolving CNS/ATM space.
On infrastructure development, the NAMA boss said they have undertaken the renovation and reconstruction of several NAMA buildings and offices across various stations while staff promotion and welfare was released which cut across all directorates.
He said the new condition of service was implemented nearly a decade of needless delays, bickering and controversy.
“We have completed the rehabilitation of 12 Control Towers across the country, ensuring improved service delivery and operational efficiency.
“Procurement and Installation of CNS/ATM Equipment: To enhance safety and efficiency, we have procured and installed Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) and Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) at various airports nationwide.”
Farouk also commended the minister of aviation and aerospace development for his encouragement and guidance which have been instrumental in driving efforts to transform the Nigerian Airspace.
Farouk noted that the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Aviation Transformation was revolutionising industries worldwide, and the aviation sector was no exception adding that in Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance (CNS) and Air Traffic Management (ATM) systems, AI offers unprecedented opportunities to enhance safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
“On the Vital Role of ATSEPs, as custodians of CNS/ATM systems, ATSEPs are at the core of this transformation. Your expertise ensures the integrity, reliability, and safety of the technologies that keep our skies safe. The integration of AI will demand even more from you,” he said.
He commended the leadership of NAAE for their dedication and vision in organising this important event.
Meanwhile, in his welcome address, the President of the NAAE, Engr Selzing Miri reminded the Air Traffic Engineers of their vital role in the transformation of the aviation industry through the provision of their services as the experts responsible for maintaining, repairing, and upgrading the complex electronic systems that underpin the air traffic management.
Miri noted that their expertise and dedication were essential in ensuring the seamless integration of emerging technologies such as AI into the systems while upholding the highest standards of safety and reliability.
He said the theme: “The Integration of Artificial Intelligence in Communication, Navigation, Surveillance and Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) systems and the economic implications for our aviation industry, with a particular focus on the crucial role played by Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel (ATSEPs) was aptly selected.
Miri, however, called on the Federal Government to provide more fund for aviation agencies in order to meet up with the emerging technologies as the 50 percent IGR deduction was negatively affecting performance of agencies in terms of facility upgrade and purchase
He urged the government to consider it’s stands on policies that were not developmental in the industry adding, that there was no trial and error in engineering and called for more trainings and re-trainings of the officers of NAAE to develop the skill embedded in them
“As we delve into this fascinating and rapidly evolving field, we must acknowledge the challenges that we currently face as a result of the economic situation in our country.
“The aviation industry, like many sectors, has not been immune to the economic hardships we are experiencing. The rising costs, budget constraints, and limited resources have put a strain on our ability to innovate and modernize our CNS/ATM systems effectively.
Miri urged them in the face of these challenges, to embrace new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence to optimise their operations, enhance safety, and improve efficiency adding that the integration of AI in CNS/ATM systems holds immense potential to revolutionise how we manage air traffic, predict and prevent potential safety hazards, and streamline our processes.
“Let us collaborate, innovate, and adapt to the changing landscape of aviation. Let us work together to overcome the economic challenges we face, leverage the power of AI in revolutionizing our CNS/ATM systems, and position our industry for sustainable growth and success,” he said.
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